IWA band and choir place at TAPPS state music competition

The Incarnate Word Academy band and choir placed at the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) state music competition on April 13, held in Belton, Texas.

The IWA band received 1-ratings in three categories, while three instrumental soloists and three vocal soloists each received a 1-rating at state. The most prestigious award earned by the IWA band was the TAPPS State Sweepstakes Award.

“The sweepstakes award is only presented at the state level,” IWA Band Director Joe Hernandez said. “The award is presented to any large ensemble receiving a 1-rating in both concert and sight-reading.”

The IWA band, which received fifth place, received a 1-rating in jazz ensemble, large ensemble concert band and large ensemble sight-reading. The band received a 2-rating in medium ensemble.

Members of the band include Aaron Alexander, Evan Buhidar, Cristian Fernandez, Hank Carrillo, Harmon Dobson, Mamiko Hosoe, Mary Hubert, William Gilmore, Samuel Lathrop, Loc Nguyen, Jacquelyn Salazar and Mark Salloum. Carrillo received a 1-rating in piano solo, Dobson received a 1-rating in trumpet solo and Hosoe received a 1-rating in flute solo.

After returning from the TAPPS State Music Competition, band members said that their hard work had paid off.

“I was excited,” IWA freshman and flutist Hosoe said. “I was really proud of our band.”

Carrillo, a sophomore, said he couldn’t agree more. The second-year tubist and pianist said the band did really well at regionals and worked together to make music.

“My favorite part of being in band is making music together with all of my friends,” Carrillo said. “We’re here to compete, but we’re also here to have fun.”

The IWA Choir, which received 17th place, earned a 2-rating in small vocal ensemble. Vocal soloists Ginger Villarreal, Victoria Pena and McKinna Gourley each received a 1-rating. Vocal soloists Kristian Lopez, Theresa Lopez and Meri-Ashton Van Winkle each received a 2-rating.

The three sophomores who received a 1-rating said they have been singing most of their lives and were excited to learn that they each received a 1-rating at state.

“We received a 2-rating at state last year,” Pena said. “So it’s exciting to have a 1-rating this year.”

Hernandez and IWA Choir Teacher Frank Cano said that they are very proud of their students for all their hard work in preparing for the TAPPS State Music Competition.

“We only have one senior. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for us over the next two to three years,” Hernandez said.



HS TAPPS State Music Competition – Choir
Left to Right: Ginger Villarreal, Victoria Pena, and McKinna Gourley




HS TAPPS State Music Competition – Band
Front Row: Harmon Dobson, Mamiko Hosoe, Jacquelyn Salazar, and Christian Fernandez
Second Row: William Gilmore, Mary Hubert, and Aaron Alexander
Third Row: Mark Salloum and Hank Carrillo
Fourth Row: Samuel Lathrop and Loc Nguyen
Back Row: Evan Buhidar